Final Report on Glasshouse Construction

Wednesday, 29 July 2009

A report on the Glasshouse construction, presented to an Extraordinary Council meeting tonight, has named the final cost at $50.2 million dollars.  At the brief meeting Council's General Manager Andrew Roach presented the report that outlined the final project cost and current position with the forecourt works.

Administrator Garry Payne received the report stating that it met his aims of providing the community with open transparent and accountable administration.

"This Glasshouse construction report gives the community the full facts behind the construction costs and contract variations.

"I firmly believe the Glasshouse is an iconic building but having the most technically advanced theatre and one of the largest gallery spaces in regional Australia has come at a cost. It will have an ongoing financial impact on our residents and ratepayers. In the immediate term we are facing the challenge of a budget deficit for some years," said Mr Payne.

Mr Payne reiterated the comments he made when Council took control of the building, "any residual negativity should be directed at the decision making process that led to the commitment to such a major cost project, not the building itself. It is a facility that is now part of this community and I encourage you to enjoy the experiences it offers.

"The costs of the Glasshouse construction and other budgetary pressures are a concern but I am confident that Council, with assistance from the community, can manage these issues to work efficiently and effectively in delivering basic core service to the community," said Mr Payne.